Apr. 23, 1963 - President Johnson indicated today there will be stepped-up U.S. activity in South Vietnam involving more money and, he hoped, assistance from SEATO allies in the struggle against the Communist Viet Cong.
An increase in U.S. activity in South Vietnam, Johnson warned at an outdoor press conference, “will cost more money.”
American assistance to the Government of Gen. Nguyen Khanh now runs $1.5 million a day. Congress is considering the fiscal 1965 foreign aid bill.
The President hinted that an increase in American troop strength is not necessarily involved in the proposed increased activity in Vietnam.
“There will be people coming out of there from time to time, when their mission is completed, and others that will be sent in their place,” Johnson said.
The U.S. now has about 15,500 troops in Vietnam.
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